Cambodia self drive Tuk Tuk small group adventure

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We are honest that international flights represent the largest single source of emissions for travellers on this trip, and we do not offset or greenwash this. What we can control, we take seriously. Every adventure is an overland journey where there are no internal flights within the itinerary. The entire route, around 800km, is driven by Tuk-Tuk.

Tuk-Tuks are small-engine, three-wheeled vehicles that consume significantly less fuel per journey than the diesel coaches or minibuses typically used to move groups through Cambodia. They are not electric, but they are considerably more efficient than the alternatives, running at roughly 20 to 25km per litre. All departures travel in teams of 2 to 3 people per Tuk-Tuk, which keeps the group's logistical footprint small and lets support vehicles run efficiently for the size of the group.

Human-powered activity is built into the itinerary: the rest day on Koh Trong island is spent by bicycle, looping the island's 9km trail rather than by vehicle. Cambodian cuisine has naturally plant-forward options and vegetarian meals are available throughout the trip.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We also sponsor SEE Turtles, an organisation working to end the trade in tortoiseshell products and protect sea turtles across our operating destinations. This is renewed annually.

The route follows the Mekong River through Kratie and Koh Trong, home to one of the last populations of the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, which occasionally surface in this stretch of river. We include a reservation project where teams can help plant trees and reforest part of the island. We do not include elephant riding, animal performances, captive wildlife handling, or any attraction where wild animals are kept for visitor entertainment. All wildlife encounters on this trip are in the wild, at appropriate distance.

Entry fees at Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the other temple complexes on this route contribute directly to the conservation and upkeep of these UNESCO World Heritage sites.

We partner with Travelers Against Plastic (TAP) and we communicate to all participants to take reusable water bottles. We provide all travellers with reusable cloth bags for shopping etc. We do not print materials unless absolutely necessary, and use FSC-certified recycled paper when we do. Single-use plastic is actively discouraged throughout the trip. All travellers receive pre-departure information on reducing their environmental impact during the journey.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Accommodation on this route is a mix of boutique hotels, guesthouses and homestays, including a homestay in Beng Mealea, putting guests directly in local hands and local income rather than a chain hotel. Soriyabori Villas on Koh Trong is a simple Khmer-style eco-lodge of traditional wooden lodges rather than an imported resort model. We prioritise eating, staying and travelling with small local businesses over international chains, and the daily challenge format routes guests into markets, villages and family-run stops that wouldn't otherwise see this kind of tourism. Up to 5% of profit from each departure is directed to vetted community and conservation partners. Since 2009 we have raised over £60,000 for our initiatives and helped adventurers raise an additional £40,000 for their chosen charities. Selected departures run as dedicated charity routes, with 100% of funds raised going directly to the partner charity, for example we have 2 Cambodia 2026 Charity routes supporting The Children's Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT), Wooden Spoon and G20 Youth Project.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All in-country staff such as the mechanics, support crew and ground contacts are Cambodian nationals employed from local communities. The only international team member is the company tour leader who leads each departure. All local staff are paid fairly and in line with local employment standards.

We hold a zero-tolerance position on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tourism (CSEC) and work to educate communities and staff about the risks. All travellers receive a pre-departure cultural briefing covering appropriate behaviour and dress, photography guidelines, and a non-negotiable no drink-driving rule.

This trip is LGBTQ+ friendly. We do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in any aspect of our operations or guest experience.